Interlochen, MI (Vocus) January 28, 2010

Beginning in the 2010-11 academic year, Interlochen Arts Academy will offer a major in comparative arts. Designed for students who bring interests in multiple arts disciplines, the program will emphasize the relationship between different art forms and provide opportunities for interdisciplinary study and self-directed projects. Interlochen is now accepting applications for the inaugural year of the program.

Students in the new major will have opportunities to draw on the expertise and resources of all six arts disciplines that are taught at the Academy: creative writing, dance, motion picture arts, music, theatre and visual arts.

The comparative arts major will be led by William Church, an alumnus of Interlochen Arts Academy. “I am thrilled to be part of this endeavor,” said Church, who has taught in the theatre and motion picture arts programs. “The comparative arts program builds on the diversity of our artistic programs and the depth of our academics to create a unique learning opportunity for cross-departmental study. It opens possibilities for student artists who have curiosity, a passion for critical thinking and interest in more than one art discipline.”

In addition to the challenging college-preparatory academic curriculum taken by all Academy students, comparative arts majors will choose from a menu courses offered in all arts areas to develop an understanding and appreciation for each art form. Students will also take comparative arts classes that investigate the intersection of arts and academic subjects and will demonstrate their progress through an annual project.

Founded in 1962, Interlochen Arts Academy is a fine arts boarding high school in Northwest Michigan that attracts talented and motivated students from nearly every state and more than 20 other countries. Students at the Academy enroll in one of seven majors including creative writing, dance, motion picture arts, music, theatre, visual arts, and now comparative arts. In addition to their artistic studies all students at the Academy pursue challenging college-preparatory academics.

Interlochen Arts Academy is part of the nonprofit Interlochen Center for the Arts, recipient of the National Medal of Arts and the only organization in the world that brings together: a 2,500-student summer camp program; a 500-student fine arts boarding high school; opportunities for hundreds of adults to engage in fulfilling artistic and creative programs; two 24-hour listener-supported public radio stations (classical music and news); more than 600 arts presentations annually by students, faculty and world-renowned guest artists; and a global alumni base spanning eight decades. For information, visit Interlochen online at http://www.interlochen.org.

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